Particular Olympics Jamaica athlete David Duncan is a tall and slim determine, who wears elegant glasses. He speaks softly however clearly, ensuring he’s understood. His considerate demeanor and powerful management abilities are massive causes he finds himself because the newly named chairperson for the World Athlete Management Council (GALC). On this position, he leads athlete leaders from every of the seven areas who present suggestions, steering, and concepts to the Particular Olympics Worldwide Board of Administrators and Management Group.
Particular Olympics Guatemala athlete Daniel Guerra at the moment serves because the vice chair.
“To have been elected as the brand new Chair of the GALC signifies that I no longer solely signify athletes with IDD [intellectual and development disabilities] in my Area, North America, however athletes in all seven Areas,” Duncan says of the appointed position. “I now should work along with my fellow GALC members to convey consciousness worldwide to create a extra inclusive world. I additionally will work along with the employees of SOI, Area leads and with the assistance of my mentor, to show to the world that each athlete has the power to attain if given an opportunity.”
“David is an incredible athlete chief and we’re so excited to have him representing SONA, however he additionally needs to make it possible for he could make a a lot bigger impression if he listens to and shares the voices of athletes from all around the world,” Alyssa Cress, supervisor, inclusive management growth for Particular Olympics, says about Duncan being within the position.
Duncan bought his begin in Particular Olympics as a volunteer throughout Jamaica’s nationwide video games. Whether or not or not he deliberate on turning into an athlete, that single second would change his life perpetually.
He discovered volleyball and over time would meet Roy Howell and Lorna Bell, leaders throughout the Particular Olympics Jamaica Program. As soon as he made the transition to competing in Particular Olympics, he developed an immense sense of delight in having the ability to play Particular Olympics Unified Sports activities®, groups that convey people with and with out mental disabilities collectively to coach and compete.
Photograph by Will Schermerhorn/SOI
“David is an incredible younger man with nice potential. David has made an amazing impression in his position each regionally and internationally,” Roy Howell, Particular Olympics Jamaica Govt Director, says. “David’s position has an amazing impression on his fellow athletes, coaches, dad and mom and volunteers. We’ve got seen his progress and are very happy with his contribution to Particular Olympics Jamaica.” Howell additionally applauds Duncan for making the most of each alternative that comes up.
Duncan credit Particular Olympics for his private growth outdoors of sports activities. Having autism, he mentions his struggles and the way Particular Olympics helped with that, particularly when he might be taught with and from people with comparable experiences. “I’ve developed management qualities due to the programs I’ve accomplished with Particular Olympics,” Duncan says.
“David is an incredible athlete chief, and we’re so excited to have him representing SONA, however he additionally is aware of that he could make a a lot bigger impression if he listens to and shares the voices of athletes from all around the world,” Cress says. “All of our Areas are so totally different, and you will need to have a various illustration of athletes who dwell elsewhere, have totally different experiences, and have a special perspective on what our athletes want,” Cress continues.
Since turning into a Particular Olympics athlete, Duncan has taken benefit of the sources the group gives, slowly rising into the chief he’s at the moment. He is aware of his new platform is a giant one and acknowledges the necessity to advocate not only for himself, however athletes world wide.